The 黑料网 School of Art Collections and Galleries have announced their six winners for the 2026 Student Annual Art Exhibition, among many talented, stand-out pieces.
This year's entries for the exhibition included textiles, sculpture, painting, ceramics and mixed media pieces from students across Kent State. The artist reception and award's ceremony took place on March 19 from 5-7 P.M., where students received their awards and celebrated their artwork.
Best in Show, Graduate: Violet Maimbourg
Violet Maimbourg's "10-Minute Elmo Monologue (The Serpent)" received the Best in Show award for graduate students. The winning artwork incorporated mixed media such as silicone, plywood, cedar chest, cherry wood, etched glass panel, lights, plastic violets, steel, brass, foam and acrylic latex paint.
"My body of work presents itself as harmless, bright, oversized, and approachable, yet carries an undertone of sadness, vulnerability, and a haunting personal narrative while remaining accessible to my audience," read Maimbourg's artist statement. "My work straddles the lines between humor, aggression, and vulnerability, implicating the viewer in my own cycle of pain and catharsis packaged as fun."
Best in Show, Undergraduate: Vic Williams
Vic Williams' "Tailored Alterations" was awarded Best in Show for undergraduate students, whose winning artwork featured elements of ceramic, ceramic underglaze, glaze, string and spray paint.
"My practice uses ceramic figurative sculpture as a conduit for transformation and expression," read Williams' artist statement. "I utilize the alterability of the human figure, specifically the transmasculine body, to express states of being and relationships."
Congratulations to our student winners!
Gallery Director's Award: Jacob Schmidt
Textiles Award: Ajallah Toure
First Runner-Up, Graduate: Fable Young-Shor
First Runner-Up, Undergraduate: Carissa Hodoba
